Friedman: Andrei Kuzmenko to LA

[emsomaso]

He is adorable. Protect him at all costs.

So nice to see/listen to someone who doesn’t sound like a media trained robot…

 

[DarkLeftHand]

Whoa, there, hold your horses. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We still don't know if Kuz is going to fit in the Kings' system of hockey and that he could be a difference maker for this team. I'm not celebrating until the results are in.

After watching his first game with us last night, it’s probably BETTER that he doesn’t necessarily ‘fit our system’. As a long time fan, its been a very long time since I have seen a player get creative down low and from behind the net like that. I think Frolov and Jason Allison were the last guys to do that regularly and with any effectiveness…

 

[tullskull]

After watching his first game with us last night, it’s probably BETTER that he doesn’t necessarily ‘fit our system’. As a long time fan, its been a very long time since I have seen a player get creative down low and from behind the net like that. I think Frolov and Jason Allison were the last guys to do that regularly and with any effectiveness…

I'm going to slightly disagree as I have some nice Villardi passes from behind the net etched in my mind and also with a chuckle I want to say everyone on the ice knew what Frolov was going to do from behind the net but he was so strong he was able to get off his wrap around anyway so I don't remember him being particularly creative but it was a long time ago so your memory might be better than mine. In fact I remember being frustrated that he wouldn't look to pass once he got around the net enough to make his shot attempt.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

I'm going to slightly disagree as I have some nice Villardi passes from behind the net etched in my mind and also with a chuckle I want to say everyone on the ice knew what Frolov was going to do from behind the net but he was so strong he was able to get off his wrap around anyway so I don't remember him being particularly creative but it was a long time ago so your memory might be better than mine. In fact I remember being frustrated that he wouldn't look to pass once he got around the net enough to make his shot attempt.

I think you’re probably right, that was a very long time ago. I just remember Fro loved to attack from behind the net with his wraparound. As far as Vilardi goes, his tenure was so short here, I mentally glossed over it, or perhaps my psyche just instinctively blocked it out, such that I’m not haunted by the ghost of what could have been..

 

[Dexter]

Homie would have at least two assists if tertiary assists were a thang.

 

[tullskull]

I think you’re probably right, that was a very long time ago. I just remember Fro loved to attack from behind the net with his wraparound. As far as Vilardi goes, his tenure was so short here, I mentally glossed over it, or perhaps my psyche just instinctively blocked it out, such that I’m not haunted by the ghost of what could have been.

Gotcha. Unfortunately for me I have been rooting for Vilardi since day one as I am able to appreciate all the extra work he had to go through because of his back problems. I can only stand for a limited time before my back tightens up and I need to sit.
I admit I am biased but I honesty think he is one of the best passers in the NHL if he has a split second to evaluate the situation.

 

[KHenry14]

This guy seems to be this year's Lias Andersson. Potential....but no performance

 

[Clif]

This guy seems to be this year's Lias Andersson. Potential....but no performance

He looks less effective by the game. On KOTP they speculated that Boeser was available for a first, but admitted the price may have been different for in-division Kings.

No doubt Boeser would make this team better now. Feels like they are going to go hard after Marner as a UFA, so maybe they didn’t want to spend a first+ for a player they could sign as a UFA when he’s not even target 1 in Boeser. Maybe they’ll send a pick to TOR to get early talk rights with Marner.

 

[SirJW]

He's trying to hard. Too many dangles that go nowhere instead of passing or shooting it.

 

[Illegal_Stick]

That was his worst game, but hoping it’s just because he’s trying so hard and he settles down eventually. Wouldn’t be the first guy who just can’t play with Kopitar and Kempe though.

 

[McSorleyFan]

The guy has top line energy. But, it's just not translating to points. That will hurt him in the end because that's what he was brought here for.

 

[Birdman]

You know, he’s not putting points on the board, but he’s not been a liability defensively, so let’s be patient.

As small as he is, he’s also not getting completely destroyed out there.

Turcotte on the other hand…..

 

[Sultanic]

The guy has top line energy. But, it's just not translating to points. That will hurt him in the end because that's what he was brought here for.

No, its not translating to stats.

The entire nature of placing value on secondary assists is sketchy. Kuzmenko has contributed directly to 4 goals since his arrival, all being what would be third assists. He has made plays leading to goals, and why those aren't looked on as positives though often times players who merely touched the puck two zones away that weren't even "offensive" moves gain statistical acceptance distorts reality.

Kuzmenko IS contributing, and more importantly his style of play has allowed Kopitar to shake off the cobwebs and get back to his offensive gain.

 

[Johnnysuede71]

No, its not translating to stats.

The entire nature of placing value on secondary assists is sketchy. Kuzmenko has contributed directly to 4 goals since his arrival, all being what would be third assists. He has made plays leading to goals, and why those aren't looked on as positives though often times players who merely touched the puck two zones away that weren't even "offensive" moves gain statistical acceptance distorts reality.

Kuzmenko IS contributing, and more importantly his style of play has allowed Kopitar to shake off the cobwebs and get back to his offensive gain.

Agreed. He looks good to me and I like his energy. Kopi has started to make the kind of plays we are used to and looks more aggressive. The move up the boards and saucer over to Fiala last night is a perfect example. Kuzmenko was right where he needed to be in the bumper spot. Give him another 5 games to pass judgment.

 

[DryKing]

Agreed. He looks good to me and I like his energy. Kopi has started to make the kind of plays we are used to and looks more aggressive. The move up the boards and saucer over to Fiala last night is a perfect example. Kuzmenko was right where he needed to be in the bumper spot. Give him another 5 games to pass judgment.

He's definitely been a valuable addition since joining the team. I also like the fact that he is showing a solid 2-way game and is backchecking hard even when totally gassed. His presence on the PP has also been a welcome addition and adds an element that was lacking previously.

Most importantly, he seems to be having fun out there and has really bought in, so far, to the team's philosophy.

What I do find odd, though, is that it appears Kempe has continued to play his off-wing (RW) which means Kuz is also playing his off-wing (LW). I used to play off-wing too and totally understand how much it boosts goal scoring ability, but I don't really get having two wingers on the same line doing that given how much it lessens passing ability.

 

[Halfwall]

He's definitely been a valuable addition since joining the team. I also like the fact that he is showing a solid 2-way game and is backchecking hard even when totally gassed. His presence on the PP has also been a welcome addition and adds an element that was lacking previously.

Most importantly, he seems to be having fun out there and has really bought in, so far, to the team's philosophy.

What I do find odd, though, is that it appears Kempe has continued to play his off-wing (RW) which means Kuz is also playing his off-wing (LW). I used to play off-wing too and totally understand how much it boosts goal scoring ability, but I don't really get having two wingers on the same line doing that given how much it lessens passing ability.

I think that's the idea.

 

[dannybuoy1]

He's trying to hard. Too many dangles that go no where instead of passing or shooting it.

agreed. He has had some great opps.

 

[orpheus]

So far he is the team's good luck charm.

 

[Statue4Deano]

Kuzmenko is filling his role nicely. Kopi and Kempe needed a bonafide NHL player next to them and he’s just dangerous enough to open up the ice for his linemates. It would be even better if he finds his place on the PP.

 

[VCRW]

He's definitely been a valuable addition since joining the team. I also like the fact that he is showing a solid 2-way game and is backchecking hard even when totally gassed. His presence on the PP has also been a welcome addition and adds an element that was lacking previously.

Most importantly, he seems to be having fun out there and has really bought in, so far, to the team's philosophy.

What I do find odd, though, is that it appears Kempe has continued to play his off-wing (RW) which means Kuz is also playing his off-wing (LW). I used to play off-wing too and totally understand how much it boosts goal scoring ability, but I don't really get having two wingers on the same line doing that given how much it lessens passing ability.

Typically European to have right shot at LW and left shot at RW. Not surprising with three Euro guys on that line.